Fishing for Electric catfish

Malapterurus electricus

The electric catfish is a freshwater species known for its ability to generate electric shocks. It has a cylindrical body, smooth skin, and a lack of dorsal fin. Inhabiting African rivers and lakes, it preys on fish and invertebrates. Typically reaching up to 39 inches and weighing around 44 pounds, it uses electricity for defense and hunting. This summary is AI generated

Water type

Freshwater

IUCN Status

Least concern

Threat to humans

Traumatogenic

Source: Fishbase

Best baits to catch Electric catfish

BiteGuide combines your real-time weather, water conditions, and target species to suggest lures and colors that'll work right now. Built on millions of real catches from the world's largest fishing community.

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Biggest Electric catfish catches

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

Recently caught Electric catfish

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Electric catfish

length · weight

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Electric catfish

St. George Island Beach

11 in · 1 lb

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Electric catfish

Karnyonyo

length · weight

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Electric catfish

Bob Shetler

length · weight

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Electric catfish

Nyambiri

20 in · 5 lb

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Electric catfish

Samanko

length · weight

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Electric catfish

Eşmakaya Deresi

20 in · 2 lb

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Electric catfish

Tropical Park

14 in · 2 lb

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Electric catfish

length · weight

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FAQ about Electric catfish fishing

🎣 What bait works best for Electric catfish?

Electric catfish go for tubes, hard topwater lures, and natural baits — but the best choice shifts with water conditions, season, and local pressure.

Want the answer for your spot, today? BiteGuide in the crunches real catch reports against weather, water conditions, and seasonal patterns to tell you exactly what's working right now. Download the app and let BiteGuide do the guessing for you.

📍 Where do Electric catfish live?

Electric catfish hole up by day among rocks, roots and other submerged cover in slow, turbid African rivers and lakes, emerging at night along the bottom to stun and ambush fish and invertebrates.

BiteGuide in the narrows it down using real catch data and conditions near you, so you know where to cast, not just where to look. Grab the app and fish smarter.

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